by Linda Fox

LAFAYETTE, Tenn. - Even though rain had pelted Macon County for several days leading up to the 2009 edition of the Dr. C.C. Chitwood Memorial Horse Show, Show Manager Brad Tuttle and his great friends from the Lafayette Lions Club were not to be outdone by Mother Nature. The decision was made to move the show just a few minutes down the road to the newly constructed Branham Farms Arena in Amos, Ky. The facility boasts an indoor warm up area with a covered lane up to the show ring, an arena concession building that overlooks the arena, over 50 stalls and 30 trailer hookups, two rooms for overnight stay and super acoustics.

L.M. Murphy evaluated more than 160 entries, Sandy Knight was the official announcer for the evening, Bobby Bransford served as ringmaster and Wayne Nabors provided the great horse show music. Dr. Lori Murray was the acting veterinarian.

A special thank you needs to be extended to a very good friend of the Lafayette Show as well as the Lions Club, Jennifer Hudson, who donated every trophy for the evening. Most of the pieces came from her personal collection of crystal. The donations were made in honor of her beloved horse, Copy’s King Tut, who passes away at the age of 37 and who had enjoyed a show ring career through 2007.

The show was brought to an end when nine contenders made the gate call for the Stake class. When it was time to name the winner, Todd Smith and Copy’s Colors were called to center ring for Stone Manor Farms of Bowling Green, Ky. Reserve in the class went to Superior’s Generator Threat with Tommy Loid in the irons for Neal Walton of Woodburn, Ky., and Major’s Magic Horizon and Drew Graves rode to the third place tie for Wesley Hamilton of Jefferson, Texas.

Complete results may be viewed by clicking here.